BERKELEY 

GENERAL 
LIERARY 

UNtVER$!TY    OF 
CALIFORNIA 


liife^ 


s.  QJJ^v^  . 


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Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 

in  2007  with  funding  from 

IVIicrosoft  Corporation 


http://www.archive.org/details/americanfishhowtOOweidrich 


AMERICAN    FISH 


AND 


HOW    TO    CATCH    THEM 


A  HAND-BOOK  FOR  FISHING 


BY 


JuJ^JL'^nU^^^^i^ 


NEW  YORK 

FRANCIS   P.  HARPER 

4  Barclay  Street 

i88s 


Copyright,  1884,  by 
FRANCIS  P.  HARPER 


TROW'9 

PHINTING  AND  BOOKBINDING  COMPANY, 

NEW  YORK. 


The  author  of  this  volume  has  taken 
pains  to  make  it  a  practical  manual  for 
amateur  as  well  as  professional  anglers. 
The  disciple  of  Isaak  Walton  will  find 
that,  while  the  subject  matter  is  con- 
densed and  made  free  from  technicality 
and  literary  extension,  nothing  of  value 
has  been  omitted.  The  work  covers  a 
ground  embraced  by  no  other  volume,  and 
will  prove  valuable  as  a  reference-book  to 
all  lovers  of  the  gentle  art. 

The  extent  of  the  territory  and  waters 
referred  to  does  not  range  beyond  the  in- 
land streams  and  sea-coast  of  our  Eastern 
and  Middle  States.  Apart  from  a  few 
kinds  of  fish  that  swim  in  the  great  chain 
of  Northern  Lakes,  save  Black  Fresh- 
water   Bass  and    Pike- Perch,  hardly  any 


MFA2057 


varieties  occur  inland,  toward  the  Missis- 
sippi River,  that  draw  the  attention  of 
either  naturahst  or  angler.  Not  until  the 
shores  of  the  far  Pacific  are  reached  does 
angling  again  become  remunerative  and 
interesting. 


CONTENTS. 


Alosa  PrcEstabilis 29 

American  Butter- fish. . .   54 

Do.        Yellow  Perch  35 

Anguilla  Tenuirostris . .  40 

Barb 45 

Big  Porgee 42 

Black  Bass 21 

Black-fish 48 

Black  Fresh-water  Bass.  21 

Black  Sea-Bass 25 

Blue-fish 33 

Bonito 46 

Brook  Trout 60 

Butter-fish 54 

Catostomis  Communis . .  28 

Cat-fish 53 

Centrarchus  ^neus 24 

Do.  Fasciatus .   2 1 

Centropristes  Nigricans.  25 

Chub 28 

Cod 52 

Common  Cat-fish 53 

Do.     Sucker 28 

Coregonus  Aldus 47 


PAGE 

Eel  40 

Esox  Estor 58 

Do.  Reticulatus 37 

Fishing  in  the  Pacific  - . .  83 

Flounder 39 

Fresh-water  Bass 24 

Glass-eyed-Pike 35 

Green-fish 33 

Gunnellus  Mucronatus..  54 

Herring 79 

Horse-Mackerel 33 

Implements.....^ 7 

King-fish 45 

Labrax  Lineatus 26 

Lake  Trout 67 

Do.  White-fish 47 

Lafayette-fish 51 

Leiostomus  Obliquus  ...  51 

Localities 10 

Lucioperca  Americana.  35 

Mackerel 31 

Mackinaw  Salmon-Trout  59 

Massachusetts  Flounder.  39 

Merlangus  Purpureus . .  55 


PAGE 

Memoranda 17 

Morrhua  Ainericana ...   52 

Muskellunge 58 

New  York  Black-fish   ,  48 
Do.         Flat-fish ...  39 

Do.         Pollack 55 

Do.         Tautog 48 

New  York  Retail  Market 

Prices 94 

Osmerus  Viridescens . . .   56 

Oswego  Bass 24 

Otolithus  Regalis 49 

Pagrus  Argyrops 42 

Pelamys  Sarda 46 

Perca  Flavescens 35 

Pickerel 35,  y] 

Pike 35,  yj 

Pike-Perch 35 

Pimelodus  Catus 53 

Platessa  Plana 39 

Porgee 42 

Pollack 55 

Prefatory 3 

Rock  Bass 24 

Rock-fish 26 

Salmo 67 

Salmon 71 

Salmon -Trout 69 

Salmo  Amethystus 59 

Do.  Confinis 69 

Do.  Fontinalis 60 


PAGB 

Salmo  Salar 71 

Sargus  Ovis 43 

Scappaug 42 

Scomber  Colias 32 

Do.      Vernalis 31 

Sea-Bass 25 

Sea-Chub 51 

Shad 29 

Sheepshead 43 

Smelt 56 

Spanish  Mackerel 32 

Spotted  Bass 25 

Do.     Gunnel 54 

Spring  Mackerel 31 

Striped  Bass 26 

Do.     Bonito 46 

Do.      Sea-Bass 26 

Sucker 28 

Tautog 48 

Tautoga  Americana...  48 
Temnodon  Saltator  ....  33 
Trolling     in     Barnegat 

Bay 13 

Uinbrina  Alburnus 45 

Wall-eyed  Pike 35 

Weak-fish 49 

White-fish 47 

White  Trout 67 

Whiting 45 

Yellow  Perch 35 

Yellow  Pike-Perch 35 


IMPLEMENTS. 


Rods. — The  strongest  and  most  elastic 
are  of  split  bamboo  ;  ash-wood  and  lance- 
wood  are  sometimes  used.  For  fish  of 
from  two  to  three  pounds,  rods  of  from 
six  to  seven  ounces  are  taken  ;  for  six- 
pound  fish,  corresponding  rods  should  be 
from  eight  to  nine  ounces.  Trolling-rods 
with  rings  attached. 

Reels. — Plain  click-reels  are  to  be  com- 
mended, of  sizes  to  carry  the  required 
length  of  lines.  Brass  ones,  stained  black, 
are  favored. 

Lines. — Of  water-proof  braided  silk, 
braided  raw-silk,  braided  linen  or  flaxen, 
braided  cotton,  India-grass  as  may  be 
preferred.  The  silk  and  hair  combination 
has  many  opponents.  Lines  are  made 
water-proof  by  being  soaked  overnight  in 
fish-oil  and  hung  up  to  drain  for  a  day  ; 
thereafter  dried  in  sawdust. 


Leaders. — Of  silk-worm  gut,  varying 
in  sizes,  and  in  lengths  ranging  from  five 
to  eight  feet.  Let  them  be  round,  smooth, 
and  well-tapered. 

Sinkers. — Leaden,  ringed  or  cast,  ac- 
cording to  fancy. 

Hooks. — The  preferred  patterns  are 
''  Limerick,"  "  Kendal,"  and  ''  Carlisle." 
Trout,  Cod,  Black-fish  hooks,  and  several 
others  are  graded  specially. 

Artificial  Flies. — The  use  of  three 
or  four  different  colors  and  varying  shapes 
is  recommended  for  one  kind  of  fish  ;  their 
employment  varied  in  accordance  with 
the  attendant  success.  It  is  not  pretended 
that  Salmon-flies  really  imitate  the  color 
or  form  of  any  known  insects,  but  are 
spontaneous  evolvements  from  the'  con- 
sciousness of  anglers  and  tackle-makers. 

General  shape,  general  color,  and  size, 
are  all  that  can  be  distinguished  by  the 
fish.  These  are  the  points,  therefore,  to 
be  kept  in  view  in  the  construction  of  arti- 
ficial flies. 


'he  object  of  the  dry-fly  is  evident  from 
its  name — it  is  made  to  float  dry  on  the 
water,  like  the  natural  insect. 

Artificial  Fly-box. — Flies  should  be 
carried  in  a  box,  instead  of  being  pressed 
together  in  a  book,  a  process  which  robs 
them  of  elasticity. 

Artificial  Bait. — Squids  of  nickel- 
plated,  burnished  tin,  bone,  or  pearl,  imi- 
tations of  small  fish  and  insects,  and  red 
rags,  attract  all  kinds  of  ravenous  feeders. 

Snells  made  of  piano-forte  wire  take 
the  place  of  gut  leaders  with  large  fish. 

Floats  are  either  of  cork,  quills,  reed, 
or  hollow  red-cedar. 

Gaff-hooks. — Japanned,  with  six  or 
seven  foot  handles  of  hickory,  for  landing 
large  fish  stranded  in  shallow  water,  or 
when  fishing  from  a  boat. 

Swivels  attached  to  sinkers  ;  those  of 
brass  or  steel  are  to  be  commended. 

Landing-net,  with  handle  from  four  to 
five  feet  in  length. 


LOCALITIES. 

Maine. 

Large  Rivers. — Salmon. 

Small  Rivers.  —  Black  Bass,  Sucker, 
Perch,  Trout 

Lakes. ^—TxomX.^  Perch,  Pickerel,  Pike- 
Perch. 

Bays  and  Coast. — Bass,  Mackerel,  Weak- 
fish,  Flounder,  Cod,  Pollack. 

Massachusetts,  Etc. 

Rivers. — Black  Bass,  Perch,  Sucker. 

Bays  and  Coast. — Mackerel,  Cod,  Tautog, 
Blue-fish,  Bass,  Weak-fish,  Flounder, 
Porgee,  Bonito,  Butter-fish,  Pollack. 

Rhode  Island,  Etc. 
Bays  and  Coast. — Bass,  Tautog,  Spanish 
Mackerel,  Blue-fish,  Flounder,  Porgee, 
Butter-fish,  Cod,  Pollack. 


Connecticut,  Etc. 
Large  Rivers. — Shad,  Yellow  Perch. 
Small     Rivers, — Black     Bass,      Sucker, 

Perch. 
Coast, — Bass,  Tautog,  Flounder. 

Long  Island. 
Bays    and    Coast, — Lafayette-fish,     Cod, 
Butter-fish,  Pollack,  Mackerel,  Porgee, 
Flounder,  Blue-fish,  Sheepshead,  King- 
fish,  Bonito,  Bass,  Tautog. 

New  York. 
Large  Rivers, — Shad,  Yellow  Perch,  Bass, 

Sucker,  Smelt. 
St,   Lawrence   River,  etc, — Muskellunge, 

Salmon-Trout,      Pickerel,     Pike-Perch, 

Salmon,  Black  Bass. 

Small  Rivers,   etc, — Black     Bass,     Rock 
Bass,  Cat-fish,  Sucker,  Perch. 

Adirondack  Brooks, — Brook  Trout. 
H     Large     Lakes, — Cat-fish,      Muskellunge, 
B         Lake    Trout,    White-fish,    Black    Bass, 
H         Oswego  Bass^  Pike-Perch,  Pickerel. 


Small  Lakes. — Lake  Trout,  Pike- Perch, 
Yellow  Perch,  Black  Bass,  White-fish, 
Rock  Bass,  Pickerel,  Cat-fish. 

New  York  City  Bays. — Bass,  Tautog, 
Porgee,  Sheepshead,  Smelt,  Butter-fish, 
Weak-fish,  Flounder. 

New  Jersey. 

Rivers. — Sucker,  Perch,  Cat-fish,  Bass, 
Smelt. 

Lakes. — Pickerel,  Cat-fish. 

Bays  and  Coast. — King-fish,  Lafayette- 
fish,  Smelt,  Butter-fish,  Tautog,  Bass, 
Weak-fish,  Sheepshead,  Blue-fish,  Por- 
gee, Flounder,  Bonito. 

Pennsylvania. 
Rivers. — Perch,  Weak-fish,  Pickerel,  Bass, 

Sucker,   Shad,   Pike-Perch,  White-fish, 

Cat-fish. 
Lakes. — Pickerel,     White-fish,      Cat-fish, 

Lake  Trout. 

Large  Northern  Lakes. 
Muskellunge,     Mackinaw    Salmon-Trout, 
Salmon-Trout,  Pike-Perch,  Rock  Bass, 
Cat-fish,  Pickerel,  White-fish. 


TROLLING  IN  BARNEGAT  BAY. 


In  th( 


lower  end  of  Barnegat 
let.  there  a 


3ay,  south 
numbers  of  pound 
and  gill  seines  set,  and  quantities  of  fine 
fish  are  caught  in  them  ;  but  that  mode  of 
fishing  is  not  permitted  above  the  inlet. 
Except  in  the  two  channels,  where  the 
water  varies  from  9  to  14  feet  in  depth, 
the  bay  generally  is  shallow,  say  from  18 
inches  to  7  feet  at  high  water,  and  at  low 
water  wide  expanses  of  sedge  and  eel-grass 
are  exposed.  From  the  ist  of  July  until 
well  on  in  September  each  incoming  tide 
brings  from  the  ocean  great  schools  of 
Weak-fish,  big,  yellow-finned,  ''  tide-run- 
ners." They  dart  over  the  flats  where  the 
water  is  only  three  or  four  feet  deep  and 
scour  the  sloughs  and  along  the  edges  of 
the  channels,  snapping  up  shrimp,  small 
fishes,  soft  crabs,  and  any  other   edibles 


that  come  in  their  way.  Here  and  there, 
where  there  are  patches  of  coral,  Sheeps- 
head  abound,  some  of  them  ranging  as 
high  in  weight  as  17  to  1 8  pounds.  King- 
fish  and  Blue-fish — seldom  more  than  two 
pounds  in  weight — are  numerous  ;  but  the 
most  abundant  is  the  Weak-fish.  It  is  not 
at  all  an  uncommon  thing  for  an  expert  an- 
gler to  take  from  200  to  300  on  a  single 
tide,  if  he  goes  simply  for  numbers  and  is 
satisfied  with  small  fish ;  but  even  of  the 
big  ones,  ranging  from  two  to  three  pounds, 
he  may  easily  get  from  50  to  75  on  a  tide 
if  he  goes  out  with  a  ''skipper." 

When  the  Weak-fish  season  is  drawing 
to  a  close,  on  such  days  as  the  weather  per- 
mits— and  there  are  few  exceptions  to  that 
condition — the  cat-rigged  sloops  used  in 
the  bay  go  outside,  over  the  bar,  and  there 
is  grand  sport  fishing  for  Blue-fish  and 
''croakers" — the  latter  a  white  fish,  very 
good  to  eat,  weighing  from  five  to  eight 
pounds.  When  the  frost  comes  the  Bass 
appear  all  along  this  coast  in  myriads  and 
penetrate  the  bay,  where  they  are  caught 


until  so  late  in  the  year  that  they  have  to 
be  dragged  out  through  holes  cut  in  the 
ice.  That  there  are,  in  season,  Flounders 
galore  in  the  bay  goes  without  saying,  and 
now  and  then  one  pulls  up  a  skate  ;  but 
this  body  of  water  is  comparatively  singu- 
larly free  from  those  common  nuisances 
and  curses  to  anglers  in  salt  waters 
near  New  York — the  Sculpins,  Gurnards, 
Sea-spiders,  Begalls,  Dog-fish,  Hammer- 
headed  Sharks,  and  other  pertinacious 
bait  thieves. 

The  hotels  of  Ocean  County  charge 
$2  a  day ;  that  includes  the  ample  lunch 
aboard  the  boat,  free  transportation  to  the 
landing-place  and  back  as  often  as  desired, 
cold  storage  for  the  catch  of  fish,  etc.  The 
hire  of  the  boats — cat-rigged  sloops,  20  to 
24  feet  in  length — is  $4  per  diem,  for  which 
the  captain  not  only  sails  the  boat  as  long 
as  desired,  but  cleans  the  fish,  gathers  the 
K  fresh  cedar  swamp  moss  to  pack  them  in, 
packs  them  in  boxes  or  baskets,  and  stows 

kthem  away  in  the  ice-house  ready  for  ship- 
ment next  day.  Shrimps,  for  bait,  cost 
I 


seventy-five  cents  per  quart,  and  are  ex- 
ceedingly small.  It  takes  three  to  make 
a  decent  bait.  Shedder-crabs  are  uncertain 
of  supply,  and  when  found  are  small ;  those 
who  want  that  sort  of  bait  had  better  bring 
it  from  New  York.  The  Weak-fish  here 
are  not  so  dainty  in  their  tastes  as  they 
seem  to  become  by  the  time  they  get  to 
Prince's  Bay,  and  Shedder-crab  is  by  no 
means  a  necessity  for  catching  them. 
Not  infrequently  when  they  are  running  in 
on  a  flood  tide  they  will  snap  eagerly  at  a 
chunk  of  fresh  Blue-fish  or  even  a  piece  of 
a  Weak-fish.  It  is  not  advisable  to  send 
fish  back  to  the  city  by  the  express  com- 
pany if  it  can  be  avoided.  Delivery  is  too 
much  delayed  and  uncertain. 


x6 


MEMORANDA. 


An  angler  standing  without  motion  is 
unheeded  by  the  fish.  As  a  general  thing 
he  should  be  concealed.  It  is  well  to  be 
attired  in  plain,  dark  clothing  and  wear 
hob-nailed  shoes,  to  prevent  slipping  off 
rocks  and  stones  into  the  water. 

Before  casting,  unreel  of  line  three  or 
four  times  the  length  of  the  rod.  As  soon 
as  the  flies  have  touched  the  water,  the 
rod  should  be  gradually  raised  toward  the 
perpendicular. 

The  fly,  after  being  thrown,  should  be 
kept  gently  moving,  immediately  above 
the  surface  of  the  water.  Cast  quietly  and 
carefully  around  big  stones,  at  the  edge 
of  weed-beds  and  the  like.  Always  use  a 
landinof-net.  In  a  lake  to  drag-  a  fish  out 
by  the  line  is  almost  sure  to  lose  it. 

In  drawing  hold  the  rod  with  the  left 


hand  and  reel  with  the  right.  When  the 
fish  is  hooked  be  on  the  alert  to  get  away 
from  logs  and  briers. 

Trolling  is  done  from  the  stern  of  a  boat, 
with  a  guide  to  row  or  sail  the  craft.  Fish 
on  the  hook  are  disposed  to  run  under 
the  boat,  for  succor  or  shelter.  Some 
think  that  the  calm  after  a  storm  is  the 
best  time  for  trolling  ;  others,  that  a  windy- 
day  is  best.  It  is  good  weather  when  the 
mercury  is  well  up  in  the  barometer  and 
there  is  a  gentle  breeze  ;  also  when  the 
sun  looks  with  a  modest  face,  it  is  much 
better  than  when  the  god  of  day  is  red,  or 
glares  with  a  golden  stare.  The  best  fish- 
ing is  had  just  after  sunrise  and  at  or  just 
after  sundown,  when  most  fish  are  in  quest 
of  food.  Settled  weather  is  favorable  ; 
changeable  weather  prognosticates  uncer- 
tain sport. 

In  all  fly-fishing,  whether  on  lake  or 
river,  a  moderate,  rippling  breeze  and  a 
checkered  sky  are  advantages  ;  doubtless 
because  they  help  conceal  the  counterfeit 
fly  and  lessen  the  glitter  of  the  gut. 


i8 


The  best  places  to  fish  in  any  river  are 
usually  not  where  there  are  the  most  fish, 
but  where  they  can  be  most  easily  caught. 
These  places  are  moderately  rapid  runs  ; 
scours,  or  ''  stickles,"  where  the  water  is  of 
a  medium  depth,  and  carries  a  brisk  ripple 
or  curl ;  pools  with  a  sharp  current  through 
them  ;  and  mill-tails,  weirs,  and  eddies. 

Deep,  stagnant,  lagoon-like  reaches  can 
only  be  fished  with  success  when  there  is 
a  good  breezy  ripple  on  them. 

Water  that  is  thickened  is  always  bad. 
It  prevents  the  fish  seeing  the  flies  on  the 
top,  and  brings  down  with  it  ground-food, 
which  fixes  their  attention  on  the  bottom. 
The  presence  of  any  large  number  of  nat- 
ural flies  on  the  water  is  bad. 

When  the  fishing  season  is  over,  your 
rod  should  be  cleaned,  oiled,  and  put  away 
in  a  cool  place,  in  readiness  for  the  next 
campaign.  The  best  of  wood  that  a  rod 
can  be  composed  of,  if  exposed  for  a 
length  of  time  in  a  dry  atmosphere,  will 
shrink.  All  lines,  after  being  used,  should 
be  run  off  from  the  reel  and  laid  out,  or 


19 


stretched  on  pegs  to  dry.  Should  they 
have  been  lying  by  for  any  length  of  time, 
they  should  be  examined  and  tried  in 
every  part  before  using.  Lines  will  chafe 
and  fray  out  by  constant  use. 


BLACK   FRESH-WATER  BASS. 


Centrarc/nis  Fasciatus. 


Commonly  known  as  "  Black  Bass." 
This  fish  inhabits  the  lakes  and  rivers  of 
the  Middle  and  New  England  States,  in- 
cluding the  Niagara  and  St.  Lawrence 
Rivers. 

They  are  sought  for  from  May  to  July, 
and  again  in  September  and  October. 
August  is  their  spawning  time,  when  the 
fish  are  in  poor  condition. 

Among  the  denizens  of  our  inland  wa- 
ters, with  the  single  exception  of  Trout, 
no  fish  are  such  favorites  with  anglers. 
Their  capture  affords  much  sport,  and  the 
kitchens  delight  in  their  presence.  Black 
fresh-water  Bass  are  active,  muscular, 
and  free  biters.     They  harbor  frequently 


on  bars  and  shoals,  near  rocks.  Usual 
weight  from  two  to  four  pounds. 

For  tackle  use  rod  of  from  nine  to  twelve 
feet ;  line,  fly  tapered,  of  from  one  hun- 
dred to  two  hundred  and  fifty  feet ;  silk- 
worm-gut leader  of  four  or  five  feet ;  hook, 
small  Bass  size.  For  trolling  use  rod  from 
eight  to  eleven  feet,  with  click-reel^  and 
spoon  or  other  artificial  bait.  For  bait 
use  worm,  frog,  crawfish,  and  small  live 
fish. 

The  respective  merits  of  the  Brook  Trout 
and  the  Black  Bass  as  a  game  fish  have 
long  been  a  question  for  debate  between 
anglers,  and  the  result  has  been  the  publi- 
cation of  much  valuable  information  upon 
the  respective  fish.  Their  habits  from  their 
birth  to  their  capitulation  are  now  thor- 
oughly understood,  but  where  they  most 
abound  is  not  so  well  known,  and  fisher- 
men who  may  happen  to  alight  upon  good 
ground  generally  conceal  its  location. 

Lake  Gagebic  and  other  waters  in  Mich- 
igan are  noted  for  their  plenitude  of  Black 
fresh- water  Bass. 


There  are  no  fish  in  Gagebic  save  the 
two  species  of  Bass,  the  small  mouth  and 
the  large  mouth  (Oswego)  ;  the  former 
predominate  as  about  four  to  one.  They 
appear  in  schools  covering  acres  in  ex- 
tent and  playing  near  the  surface  of  the 
water. 

In  two  hours  a  party  took  seventy  Bass, 
of  which  forty  were  returned  to  the 
water  uninjured,  as  being  under  weight, 
while  all  weighing  upward  of  one  pound 
and  a  half  were  preserved,  the  largest 
barely  reaching  the  four-pound  notch  on 
the  scale. 

The  lure  in  general  use  is  a  No.  4  troll- 
ing-spoon.  When  once  this  fish  grasps 
the  triple  hook  in  his  ravenous  manner,  he 
is  fatally  impaled  in  both  jaws,  and  rarely 
escapes.  The  favorite  bait  is  live  minnows, 
pieces  of  fins,  artificial  Julgramite,  or  any 
other  decoy  that  can  be  used  on  a  single 
hook.  The  supply  of  Bass  in  Gagebic  is 
inexhaustible,  and  any  person  can  at  any 
time  take  all  the  fish  he  wants  legitimately 
with  hook  and  line. 


23 


OSWEGO    BASS. 

We  are  not  familiar  with  the  scientific 
name  of  this  species.  It  is  frequently  con- 
founded with  the  fresh-water  Black  Bass, 
but  seems  to  differ  in  several  particu- 
lars— being  larger-bodied,  larger- headed, 
broader,  with  tail  more  forked,  larger- 
scaled,  and  eye  devoid  of  red.  Weight  from 
five  to  eight  pounds.  In  point  of  flavor  it 
does  not  rival  the  other  species.  As  a  fish, 
however,  it  is  equally  active  and  gamy. 

Taken  in  most  New  York  lakes  and  in- 
terior streams ;  also  in  the  Ohio  and  St. 
Lawrence  Rivers. 

Fishing  is  similar  to  that  of  the  fresh- 
water Black  Bass. 

ROCK  BASS. 

Centrarchus  ^jieiis. 

Sometimes  called  ''  Fresh-water  Bass." 
Found  in  all  the  Great  Northern  Lakes ; 
also  in  Champlain  Lake,  Oneida  Lake, 
and  other  lakes  ;  also  in  the  Upper  Hud- 


son  and  other  rivers  of  the  interior  of  New 
York  State. 

Rock  Bass  favor  shallows  and  the  out- 
lets of  brooks.  Usual  weight,  half  to  one 
and  a  half  pound.  They  are  fair  game 
and  bite  freely.     Of  common  occurrence. 

Are  taken  with  squids  and  artificial  bait ; 
also  with  crawfish,  Shiner,  clam,  and  grass- 
hopper. 

SPOTTED    BASS. 
Its  scientific   name   is  unknown  to   us, 
and  its  habits  are  unfamiliar. 

A  fresh-water  fish,  of  good  flavor.  Said 
to  be  common  in  the  inland  waters  of  the 
Middle  and  near-by  Western  States. 

Taken  with  the  feathered  squid  and 
other  artificial  lure.  For  bait  the  use  of 
small  fish  and  grasshopper  are  recom- 
mended. 

SEA-BASS. 
Centropristes  Nigricans, 

More  correctly  ''  Black  Sea-Bass." 
Come  to  New  York  in  shoals  from  the 
South,  and  continue  from  May  to  August. 


Black  Sea-Bass  are  deep-water  bottom- 
feeders,  fond  of  mussel-beds  and  sea-weed, 
They  mostly  feed  between  change  of  tides 
and  rarely  venture  beyond  bays  and  inlets. 
Are  wild,  ravenous,  and  bite  freely. 

Habitat  from  Maine  to  Georgia.  Or- 
dinary weight  from  three  to  five  pounds. 

For  tackle  use  strong  flaxen  line  of  from 
two  hundred  to  two  hundred  and  fifty  feet. 
Herring's  Sea-bass  Hooks,  Nos.  12T  to 
20T  (or  Kirby's  Nos.  i  and  2),  and  sinker 
of  one  pound. 

Bait  with  shrimp,  clam,  soft-crab.  Draw 
in  with  taut  line.  After  their  bite  pull 
resolutely  and  quickly. 

STRIPED    SEA-BASS. 
Labrax   Lineatus, 

Also  known  as  ''Striped  Bass"  and 
*'  Rock-fish."  Found  off  the  coast  and  in 
bays  and  estuaries  from  Maine  to  Caro- 
lina. They  breed  at  the  fresh-water  heads 
of    ocean-debouching    streams.     Said    to 

reach   Lake    Ontario   by  way  of  the  St. 

36 


Lawrence  River.  Usual  weight  from  five 
to  twelve  pounds  ;  but  some  grow  to  sev- 
enty-five pounds.  They  are  captured  off 
New  York  firom  May  to  October.  Large 
schools  are  on  the  move  off  Long  Island 
and  New  Jersey  during  September. 

Small  and  medium  striped  Sea-Bass 
are  rated  among  our  best  fishes  ;  large 
ones  are  coarser  and  less  desirable.  Many 
are  taken  on  rocky  shoals  and  in  quiet 
waters.  They  are  active  and  bite  boldly. 
Occasionally  they  are  angled  for  with  a  fly 
of  the  large  and  gaudy  kind.  The  best 
sport  is  had  in  trolling  with  squid  or  arti- 
ficial bait. 

For  tackle  use  stout  rod  from  eight  to 
nine  feet ;  line  of  flax  or  silk,  from  three 
hundred  to  four  hundred  feet ;  hook — Sal- 
mon 7/0  on  single  gut  leader ;  use  swivel 
sinker,  and  gaff-hook  for  securing  large 
fish.     Bait   with    clam,    crawfish,    shrimp, 

and  small  fish. 

27 


SUCKER. 

Catostomis   Communis, 

Also  known  as  *' Common  Sucker** 
and  *'  Chub."  Found  in  the  Hudson  and 
Delaware  Rivers  and  their  tributaries ; 
also  in  other  rivers  and  many  of  the  lakes 
of  the  Middle  and  New  England  States. 
Taken  from  August  to  November. 

A  low-priced  and  abundant  fish  in  our 
markets,  of  little  account  for  table  use. 
But  like  the  Carp,  if  well  spiced,  seasoned, 
and  gravied,  this  fish  may  be  rendered 
quite  palatable. 

Tackle  same  as  for  Trout.  For  bait, 
worms  are  preferred. 


ITari 


I 
I 


SHAD. 
Alosa   Prcestabilis, 


Are  rarely  angled  for  In  Northern  wa- 
ters, but  taken  in  large  numbers  with  gill- 
nets,  as  they  ascend  rivers  from  the  sea. 

These  they  enter  and  descend  for  the 
purpose  of  spawning,  and  after  annual 
ocean  visitations  the  Shad  return,  in  separ- 
ate divisions,  to  their  native  streams. 

*'  Up-river "  Shad  are  marketable  ; 
"  down-rivers ''  out  of  condition  and  not 
captured.  They  enter  the  Hudson  in 
March  or  April,  and  descend  in  May  and 
June. 

Epicures  prize  the  unctuous  females  and 
their  roe.  Male  Shad  are  smaller  fish  ; 
_.  but  their  flesh  is  firmest  and  finest  grained. 
■  Connecticut  River  Shad  have  a  predomi- 
B  nant  reputation  for  flavor.  Usual  weight 
B    from  three  to  ^v^  pounds. 


29 


Within  the  past  few  years  net-fishing 
has  been  recklessly  pursued,  and  the  fish 
are  becoming  less  numerous. 

We  first  hear  of  Shad  on  our  coasts 
in  January  and  February,  when  they  as- 
cend the  Savannah  River.  Thereafter 
they  advance  northward,  and  are  an- 
nounced as  successively  entering  the  North 
Carolina  sounds,  Norfolk  Bay,  James 
River,  Chesapeake  Bay,  Potomac  River, 
Delaware  River,  Hudson  River,  Connecti- 
cut River,  and  so  on  as  far  as  the  waters 
of  Maine. 

For  angling  use  a  strong  Trout-rod, 
long  line  and  large,  gaudy  fly. 


MACKEREL. 

Scomber  Vernalis, 
Also  known  as  "■  Spring  Mackerel." 
The  well-known  '*  crop  "  fish  that  haunts 
the  Northern  American  Continent  in  count- 
less numbers.  Very  plenty  off  the  coast 
of  Maine  and  Massachusetts ;  less  plenty 
on  New  York  and  New  Jersey  shores. 

They  appear  on  the  broad  ocean,  off 
Long  Island,  in  May  and  June.  In  more 
southerly  latitudes  these  fish  become  less 
frequent,  and  the  fishery  is  unimportant. 

Market  providers  give  some  attention 
to  mackerel- fishing;  with  anglers  their 
catch  is  of  no  account. 

Mackerel  are  easily  captured  ;  they  ap- 
pear in  large  numbers  and  bite  freely.  As 
they  rarely  enter  bays  or  inlets,  the  fish- 
ing is  done  from  boats. 

Use    for    hook,  "  Limerick    Salmon " 
No.  o  ;  bait  with  red  flannel. 

3« 


A  handsome,  active,  and  gamy  fish ; 
but  too  oily  to  be  easily  digestible. 

SPANISH    MACKEREL. 

Scomber   Colzas, 

A  highly  prized  variety.  Most  fre- 
quent southward,  but  ranging  from  Geor- 
gia to  Massachusetts.  In  New  York  they 
are  taken  during  August  and  September. 

A  remarkably  handsome  fish.  Usual 
weight  from  two  to  six  pounds.  They 
appear  in  shoals  off  shore. 

Trolling  is  the  preferred  way  for  taking 
them  ;  rod  and  reel  are  rarely  used.     The 
fishing-line  should  be  snelled.     Squids  are  '' 
employed ;  for  baiting  use  shedder,  shrimp, 
or  small  fish. 


BLUE-FISH. 

Temnodon  Saltator, 

Also  known  as  ''  Horse-Mackerel  "  and 
**  Green-fish."  Their  arrival  in  numbers 
off  the  shores  of  Long  Island  was  first  re- 
marked in  1817.  Before  that  time  they 
were  rarities.  The  present  distribution 
extends  from  Massachusetts  to  Florida  and 
into  more  southerly  countries. 

Immense  schools  move  off  the  shores  of 
Long  Island  and  New  Jersey  from  June 
to  September.  Usual  weight  from  two  to 
six  pounds ;  some  of  twenty  and  twenty- 
five  pounds  are  taken. 

Their  visits  are  somewhat  erratic  and 
their  numbers  greatly  varying. 

When  freshly  drawn  and  promptly 
served  for  the  table  few  fish  are  as  highly 
flavored  ;  but  if  laid  by  several  hours  their 
quality  is  greatly  impaired. 


In  the  wide  ocean,  near  shore,  schools 
of  these  fish  may  be  seen  preying  on  Weak- 
fish,  King-fish,  and  Menhaden. 

Blue-fish  are  voracious  and  far  from 
shy.  They  are  mostly  taken  from  boats 
with  squids  of  burnished  tin,  bone,  pearl,  or 
cedar.  Sometimes  red  flannel  is  used. 
Off  the  New  Jersey  shores  amateur  fish- 
ermen throw  long  lines  from  shore,  far 
away  into  deep  water,  and  draw  in  their 
squids  rapidly,  hit  or  miss,  along  the  sandy 
bed  of  the  ocean. 

From  boat  haul  in  briskly,  with  an  even, 
steady  pull. 

Tackle :  bamboo  or  ash  rod  of  from  eight 
to  ten  feet ;  line  of  braided  cotton,  from 
seventy-five  to  two  hundred  feet;  attach 
eight-inch  snell  of  piano-wire  ;  hook,  sizes 
6/0   to  1 0/0.     Bait  with  flesh,  or  any  small 

live  fish. 

34 


YELLOW  PERCH. 

Perca  Flavescens. 

Also  known  as  "  American  Yellow 
Perch."  Usual  weight  from  one  to  three 
pounds.  Common  in  the  interior  streams 
and  lakes  of  New  York,  Pennsylvania, 
Ohio,  and  the  Eastern  States,  and  in  the 
large  Northern  lakes. 

Taken  at  all  seasons  from  schools,  in 
shoal  water  near  shore,  and  on  bars  in 
deep  water.  They  bite  boldly,  prefer  sun- 
shine to  shade,  and  are  wary  of  anglers. 
In  best  condition  from  May  to  July. 

For  tackle  use  rod  short  and  stiff;  Lim- 
erick Trout-hook  Nos.  4  to  8  ;  Trout-line  ; 
sinker.  Bait  with  worm,  shrimp,  or  small 
fish. 

PIKE-PERCH. 

Lucioperca   Americana. 
Vulgo,     ''  Wall-eyed    Pike,"     ''  Glass- 
eyed  Pike,"    *'Pike,"    *' Pickerel."      Cor- 


rectly,     *' Yellow    Pike-Perch."      A    true 
Perch. 

Usual  weight  from  five  to  ten  pounds. 
Inhabits  all  the  Great  Lakes,  the  smaller 
lakes  of  New  York  and  Pennsylvania, 
the  Mohawk  and  other  rivers  of  Western 
New  York  and  Pennsylvania,  the  Ohio 
River,  Maumee  River,  etc. 

They  often  lie  at  the  foot  of  rapids,  be- 
neath mill-dams,  hid  under  the  shade  of 
weeds  and  grass,  in  ambush  for  prey. 

Pike-Perch  bite  ravenously,  particularly 
so  during  thunder-showers.  Are  favorite 
game  with  anglers.  In  deep  waters  their 
range  is  from  thirty  to  fifty  feet  below  the 
surface. 

For  tackle  use  strong  line,  two  hundred 

to  three  hundred  feet,  kept  taut  and  gently 

in  motion ;  rod  same  as  for  Striped  Bass  ; 

hook.    Limerick  Salmon,  Nos.   4   and    5  ; 

bait,  squids,  or   small  live  fish,  crawfish, 

live  frog,  etc. 

36^ 


PICKEREL. 

Esox   Reticulatus, 

Also  known  as  '*  Pike."  Inhabits  the 
Great  Northern  Lakes,  the  lakes  and 
rivers  of  the  Eastern  and  Middle  States, 
Ohio  and  St.  Lawrence  Rivers,  etc. 

Their  ordinary  weight  ranges  from  eight 
to  twelve  pounds,  but  occasionally  much 
heavier  ones  are  captured. 

Pickerel  can  be  taken  from  May  onward, 
but  are  at  their  best  within  the  months 
of  autumn.  They  swim  singly,  are  fond 
of  concealment  and  shade,  and  favor  the 
outlets  of  small  streams.  Do  not  swim 
deeply.  They  are  gamy,  bold,  and  vo- 
racious. 

For  tackle  use  stout  Bass-rod,  of  from 
ten  to  fourteen  feet,  with  click-reel ;  stout 
silken  or  oiled  flaxen  line,  of  from  one 
hundred   and   fifty   to    two   hundred  and 

37 


fifty  feet,  protected  with  gimp  or  wire 
near  the  hook ;  hook,  Limerick  or  Kirby 
Salmon,  Nos.  o  to  5 ;  sinker  is  useful  in 
running  streams.  Trolled  for  with  arti- 
ficial minnow  and  spoon.  For  bait  use 
small  live  fish,  live  frog,  or  large  worm. 


FLOUNDER 


Platessa  Plana. 


Also  known  as  ''  New  York  Flat-fish  '* 
and  '*  Massachusetts  Flounder."  Habi- 
tat from  Maine  to  Delaware. 

The  color  of  Flounders  is  variable. 
They  occur  in  plenty  in  bays  and  es- 
tuaries, and  run  up  rivers  as  far  as  salt- 
water extends.  Are  fond  of  soft,  mud 
bottoms.  May  be  taken  from  June  to 
November,  but  are  at  their  best  during 
autumn. 

Tackle  same  as  for  small  Perch  ;  hooks, 
Nos.  7,  8,  and  9 ;  bait  with  clam. 


39 


EEL. 

Anguilla    Tenuirostris, 

Strange  so  lowly  a  thing  should  have 
so  extraordinary  a  scientific  name  ! 

This  water  ''  sarpint "  is  hardly  fair 
game  for  so  dainty  and  epicurean  a  hunter 
as  the  angler  ;  but  since  Walt  Whitman 
has  ''  done  him  up  "  with  his  ''  eel-spear  " 
in  the  form  of  *'  Great  American  "  poetry, 
we  are  not  justified  in  excluding  the  Eel 
from  our  list  of  fishes. 

Eels  are  practically  taken  with  the  eel- 
pot,  and  by  torch-light  with  the  eel-spear, 
or  with  set  lines. 

They  feed  voraciously  on  all  kinds  of 
animal  matter,  fresh  or  stale  ;  thrive  equally 
well  in  salt  or  fresh  water ;  surmount  rapids 
and  rocks  by  serpentine  crawling  among 
the  crevices  ;  sometimes  migrate  by  night 

overland  from  stream  to  stream,  or  enter 

40 


kitchen-gardens,  for  a  change  to  vegetable 
diet. 

Being  abundant,  savory,  and  nutritious, 
they  are  sought  for  by  boys,  tramps,  and 
amateur  negro  fishermen  in  the  soft 
bottoms  of  our  bays  and  creeks  during 
the  greater  part  of  the  year.  To  the  an- 
gler their  capture  affords  no  sport  and  is 
deemed  a  laborious,  lowly  business. 

For  tackle  use  flaxen  line,  protected 
with  gimp  or  wire  near  the  hook  ;  hooks, 
from  Nos.  7  to  9  ;  let  sinker  touch  bottom. 
Bait  with  worm,  frog,  clam,  shrimp,  flesh, 
etc. 


4X 


PORGEE. 

Pagrus  Argyrops. 

Also  known  as  **  Big  Porgee "  and 
*'  Scappaug."  Common  in  bays  and  inlets, 
all  the  way  from  Massachusetts  to  Georgia. 
Most  frequent  during  the  summer  months. 

A  coarse-boned  fish,  held  in  little  esti- 
mation. 

Taken  in  great  numbers  in  the  bays  sur- 
rounding New  York  City.  Usual  weight 
from  half  to  two  pounds. 

For  tackle  use  strong  flaxen  line,  two 
hundred  to  three  hundred  feet ;  rod  ten 
to  twelve  feet ;  Black-fish  hook  No.  3  ; 
pound  sinker  with  swivel ;  leader  of  sin- 
gle gut.     Bait  with  shrimp  or  clam. 


SHEEPSHEAD. 


Sargus  Ovis. 

One  of  our  best  flavored  fishes.  Among 
the  angling  fraternity  it  is  deemed  a 
*'  plug/'  as  its  capture  is  laborious  and 
affords  no  sport.  Most  are  taken  in  a 
matter-of-fact  way,  with  nets  and  spears. 
They  are  wary,  resentful,  and  difficult  to 
land. 

Usual  weight  from  eight  to  twelve 
pounds.  Sheepshead  frequent  bays,  ly- 
ing on  submerged  rocks,  in  mussel-beds, 
and  near  old  wrecks. 

They  migrate  in  schools.  The  catch 
lasts  from  June  to  October.  Habitat,  from 
New  York  to  Georgia. 

For  tackle  use  stout  flaxen  or  cotton 
twisted  line,  two  hundred  to  four  hundred 

43 


feet,  large  Black-fish  hook,  and  one-pound 
sinker. 

Sheepshead  are  best  managed  with 
hand-line.  If  the  rod  is  preferred,  let  it 
be  stiff  and  stout,  and  use  landing-net. 


KING-FISH. 


Umbrina  Alburnus. 


Also  known  as  ''  Whiting  "  and  ''  Barb." 
Abundant  off  the  coast  of  Florida  and  far 
as  North  Carolina  ;  uncommon  near  New 
York,  and  rarely  seen  off  the  shores  of 
Massachusetts. 

Usual  weight  half  to  three  pounds. 
Prized  for  its  flavor.  Gradually  becoming 
rarer. 

The  habits  of  the  King-fish  are  little 
known.  It  enters  lagoons  and  inlets,  is 
partial  to  deep  water,  and  bites  freely. 

For  tackle  use  rod  of  from  eight  to  ten 
feet ;  fine  linen  line,  two  hundred  to  three 
hundred  feet ;  hook.  Limerick  Salmon 
No.  4,  or  Bass  No.  6  ;  leader  of  gut,  three 
feet.  Use  swivel,  sinker,  and  float.  Bait, 
soft  crab,  shrimp,  and  shedder. 


45 


BONITO. 

Pelamys  Sarda. 

Also  known  as  **  Striped  Bonlto."  The 
common  name  is  evidently  Spanish.  Usual 
weight  from  six  to  ten  pounds. 

A  recent  comer  from  the  South  to  more 
northerly  shores,  in  limited  numbers,  far 
as  the  coast  of  Massachusetts. 

The  Bonito  is  gamy.  Its  flesh  is  prized 
for  the  table.  Small  schools  run  along 
the  shores  of  Long  Island  from  the  middle 
of  August  to  the  middle  of  October. 

Trolling  is  done  with  squids  of  metal, 
bone,  or  cedar-wood.  Use  large-sized 
Blue-fish  tackle  and  fish  same  as  for  Blue- 
fish. 

46 


WHITE-FISH. 


Coregonus  Aldus, 

Also  known  as  *'Lake  White-fish."  A 
northerly  species.  Taken  extensively  in 
Lakes  Huron,  Michigan,  and  Superior  ; 
fewer  in  Lakes  Erie  and  Ontario.  They 
also  occur  in  Central  New  York  and  the 
New  England  States. 

Usual  weight  from  three  to  five  pounds. 

Most  are  netted  from  July  to  Septem- 
ber. Trolling  is  done  with  spoon,  or 
small  live  fish.  They  are  wary  of  hook 
and  line,  and  not  angled  for  with  the 
fly. 


TAUTOG. 

Tautoga  Americana, 

Also  known  as  *'  New  York  Tautog '' 
and  ''New  York  Black-fish."  They  fre- 
quent our  coast  from  Massachusetts  to 
Virginia,  from  May  to  October.  Usual 
weight  from  two  to  four  pounds ;  some 
few  attain  ten  or  fifteen  pounds. 

Tautogs  are  found  near  rocks,  reefs,  and 
wrecks,  in  shoal  water ;  do  not  ascend 
rivers.  They  retire  into  deep  water  in 
gloomy  weather,  and  are  shy  of  thunder. 
No  fish  of  their  size  pull  more  strongly  or 
bite  sharper. 

The  angling  is  all  bottom-fishing.  Troll- 
ing is  done  with  a  stout  rod  of  from  twelve 
to  fifteen  feet.  Line  flaxen,  from  seventy- 
five  to  one  hundred  feet,  with  snell ;  hook, 
Black-fish,  from  No.  lo  downward;  use 
sinker.  Bait  with  clam,  crab,  shrimp, 
worm,  mussels,  or  flesh.      Pull  firmly  and 

quickly. 

48 


WEAK-FISH. 

Otolithus  Regalis, 

A  *' WEAK-MOUTHED  "  fish,  that  easily 
tears  away  from  the  hook.  It  is  found 
off  our  coast  all  the  way  from  Maine  to 
Florida,  and  from  June  to  November. 

Usual  weight  from  one  to  four  pounds. 
Occasionally  one  of  twenty  and  twenty- 
five  pounds  has  been  captured.  The  flesh 
is  of  secondary  quality. 

Weak-fish  are  savagely  pursued  by  the 
mightier  Blue-fish,  and  from  year  to  year, 
since  the  advent  of  the  "  Blues,"  have  be- 
come scarcer  in  our  markets. 

They  move  in  shoals,  entering  inlets 
and  bays  and  the  tidal  parts  of  rivers, 
but  do  not  ascend  to  fresh-water  heads 
of  streams.  In  New  York  bays  they  are 
chased  by  Porpoises.  Weak-fish  bite 
sharpest  at  ebb-tide,  and  are  angled  for  in 
shoal  water. 


49 


Tackle  :  stiff  rod  from  eight  to  nine  feet ; 
line  of  linen,  two  hundred  to  three  hundred 
feet ;  leader  of  gut ;  hook,  No.  i  Kirby, 
snelled  ;  sinker  with  swivel ;  bait,  shrimp, 
crab,  clam,  Menhaden.    Troll  with  squids. 


LAFAYETTE-FISH. 


Leiostomus  Obliquus, 

Sometimes  called  *'  Sea-Chub." 

First  appeared  in  numbers  in  1824,  dur- 
ing the  last  visit  of  General  Lafayette  to 
this  country ;  hence  their  popular  name. 
They  continue  to  visit  us,  being  rare  in 
some  years  and  in  others  quite  plenty. 

Although  small,  these  fish  are  highly 
prized  for  flavor. 

Taken  from  June  to  August  in  bays, 
shoal  waters,  and  river-mouths  by  the 
sea. 

Habitaty  New  York  to  Georgia. 


COD. 

Morrhua  Americana, 
Professional  Cod-fishing  is  too  well 
known  as  an  important  commercial  in- 
dustry to  call  for  any  remark  in  our  short 
treatise.  Their  range  is  from  the  coast  of 
New  York  northerly  beyond  the  Banks  of 
Newfoundland.  Usual  weight  from  five  to 
fifteen  pounds.  In  the  New  York  markets 
the  inferior  Haddock  (^Morrhua  y^gle- 
finus)y  in  the  language  of  marketmen,  is 
sometimes  **  shoved  off"  for  genuine  Cod- 
fish. The  counterfeit  is  smaller  sized, 
with  different  markings,  and  dryer  flesh. 

Off  New  York  Cod  are  fished  for  from 
boats.  For  tackle  use  from  one  hundred 
to  two  hundred  feet  stout  cotton  or  hempen 
line ;  small  Cod  hook  or  large  Black-fish 
hook ;  pound  sinker.  Bait  with  clam, 
Menhaden,  small  fish,  or  soft  crab. 

Cod  swim  in  schools.  They  bite  sharply 
and  voraciously. 


CAT-FISH. 

Pimelodus  Catus, 

Also  known  as  "  Common  Cat-fish." 
Inhabits  all  the  Great  Lakes  ;  also  the  in- 
land waters  of  New  England  and  all  the 
Middle,  Southern,  and  Central-western 
States,  far  as  the  Mississippi  River. 

Usual  weight  from  half  to  three  pounds. 
A  mud-bottom  fish  ;  abundant  and  easily- 
captured.  They  bite  freely,  but  faintly. 
Are  frequent  above  mill-dams.  Taken 
from  April  until  November. 

Fish  with  rod  or  hand-line;  use  Lim- 
erick Salmon-hooks,  Nos.  i  to  5  ;  bait  with 
worm,  cheese,  meat,  insects,  or  small  fish. 


BUTTER-FISH. 

Gunnellus  Mucronatus, 

Also  known  as  "  Spotted  Gunnel"  and 
*'  American  Butter-fish/*  Habitat^  from 
Massachusetts  to  New  York.  They  are 
taken  in  New  York  Bay  and  Newark 
Bay. 

Butter-fish  are  local  and  of  limited  range. 
They  are  small,  and  in  form  elongated. 

Fished  for  on  shoals  and  among  rocks. 
Swim  rapidly  when  alarmed  and  are  par- 
tial to  mud  bottoms. 

54 


POLLACK. 


Merlangus  Purpureus, 

Also  known  as  '*  New  York  Pollack." 
By  no  means  common  off  the  coast  of 
New  York,  but  numerous  in  spring  and 
autumn  directly  north  of  Cape  Cod.  They 
range  far  north  as  Maine. 

Usual  weight  from  eight  to  ten  pounds. 

Tackle  :  use  same  as  for  Tautog. 


55 


SMELT. 

Osmerus  Viridescens, 

Differ  from  the  Smelt  of  Europe  in 
several  particulars. 

The  name  refers  to  their  peculiar 
*'  smell,"  which  resembles  the  odor  of 
cucumbers,  and  is  strongest  when  the  fish 
are  first  captured.  Dishonest  dealers  sell 
"Tom-cod"  for  Smelt.  These  are  low- 
priced,  inferior,  and  without  odor  or  flavor. 

Smelt  are  plentiful  in  the  neighborhood 
of  New  York  City,  in  such  waters  as  the 
Passaic,  Hackensack,  Raritan,  and  Hudson 
Rivers,  and  small  tidal  creeks.  They 
spawn  at  the  head  of  fresh-water  streams. 

Emigrating  from  the  north  they  appear 
in  New  York  Bay  in  November  and  De- 
cember. The  catch  extends  from  Maine 
to  Maryland. 

S6 


For  tackle  use  silk  line,  or  silk  and  hair 
line ;  Limerick  Trout  hooks,  Nos.  2  to  5, 
on  single  gut  leaders ;  a  sinker  is  recom- 
mended, to  overcome  the  tide.  Bait  with 
shrimp,  minnow,  or  piece  of  frog. 


57 


MUSKELLUNGE. 
Esox  Estor, 

Found  in  Lakes  Huron,  Michigan,  Erie, 
and  others ;  also  St.  Lawrence  River, 
Niagara  River,  and  sundry  large  streams 
of  Western  New  York. 

A  bold,  ferocious  Pike,  wild  and  strong 
on  the  hook.  Usual  weight  from  five  to 
twelve  pounds,  but  frequently  attains  to 
thirty  and  over.     Prized  for  its  flavor. 

Many  are  taken  with  the  seine.  They 
prefer  muddy  water,  lying  among  weeds, 
in  ambush  for  smaller  fish.  This  water- 
tiger  will  successfully  attack  any  marine 
animal,  up  to  its  own  size,  including  Pick- 
erel and  Pike-Perch. 

Trolled  for,  they  bite  freely  at  tin  squid, 
red  rag,  artificial  minnow ;  are  fond  of 
worm,  pork,  frog,  and  small  live  fish. 

For  tackle  use  rod  of  ten  feet,  Cod  line, 
and  Cod  hooks. 

S8 


MACKINAW  SALMON-TROUT. 

Salmo  Amethystus, 

Sometimes  called  ''  Mackinaw  Salmon." 
A  gigantic  lake  trout,  and  the  largest 
species  of  the  genus  Salmo.  The  flesh 
is  reddish.  Its  usual  weight  runs  from 
twelve  to  fifteen  pounds,  but  specimens 
have  been  taken  that  exceeded  one  hun- 
dred pounds.     The  fish  has  little  flavor. 

Habitat y  the  cold,  deep  Lakes  Superior, 
Huron,  and  Michigan  ;  some  few  find  their 
way  into  the  shallow  waters  of  Lake  Erie. 

Mackinaws  are  bold  and  powerful,  and 
bite  freely ;  large  fish  run  away  with  bait, 
hook,  and  man.  In  summer  they  home  in 
deep  water,  but  in  spring  approach  the 
shore  for  feeding  purposes.  The  early 
part   of  the  year   is   the   usual   time   for 

59 


angling.  After  a  bite  allow  the  fish  to 
gorge  the  bait,  and  then  pull  alertly  and 
steadily. 

Fishing  is  mostly  done  with  set  lines, 
or  by  trolling.  A  gaff-hook  will  be  found 
useful. 

For  tackle  use  rod  stiff  and  heavy  ;  line, 
oiled  flaxen,  same  as  for  large  Cod  ;  leader 
four  feet  long,  of  twisted  gut ;  swivel 
sinker ;  hook,  large  Cod,  or  No.  i  Limerick 
Salmon.  For  fly-fishing  employ  large 
gaudy  fly.  Bait,  squids,  red  rag,  small 
live  fish,  and  pieces  of  flesh. 

BROOK  TROUT. 

Salmo   Fontinalis, 

Inhabit  the  brooks  and  small  mountain 

streams  of  the  wild  and  untravelled  parts 

of  our  Middle  and  Eastern  States.     Some 

few  are  found  in  the  northern  parts  of  the 

near-by  Western  States.     A  century  ago 

all  the  small  interior  running  waters  of  New 

York  and  New  England  were  plentifully 

supplied  with  these  fish. 
60 


With  anglers  Trout  are  the  universal 
favorites,  their  pursuit  and  capture  afford- 
ing" the  maximum  of  piscatorial  recreation 
and  enjoyment.  As  fish  they  are  unsur- 
passed for  beauty  of  form  and  colors  ;  for 
sprightliness  and  gamesomeness  they  have 
few  equals.  In  the  city  Trout  are  a  luxury, 
found  on  the  tables  of  high-priced  restau- 
rants. 

Whether  or  not  Brook  Trout,  Lake 
Trout,  and  Salmon-Trout  were  originally 
the  same  stock,  now  modified  by  transplan- 
tation and  other  conditions,  is  a  moot- 
point,  not  fully  determined.  All  we  know 
is  their  tendencies  have  undergone  modi- 
fication, their  development  is  influenced, 
and  their  flavor  affected  by  change  of  food 
and  habit. 

The  usual  weight  is  from  half  to  one 
pound  ;  in  Maine  some  have  been  taken 
of  eight  pounds  ;  in  the  Adirondacks  above 
five  pounds.  They  spawn  in  shallows,  at 
the  head  of  brooks,  in  September  and  Oc- 
tober, and  are  angled  for  in  spring,  until 
the  early  part  of  summer. 


6i 


Tackle :  rod  of  split  bamboo,  ash,  or 
lance-wood,  with  click-reel  attached,  from 
twelve  to  sixteen  feet ;  line  of  braided  silk, 
or  hair,  or  grass,  fly-tapered,  from  fifteen 
to  twenty  feet ;  single  leader  of  silk-worm 
gut ;  hooks,  Nos.  5,  6,  7,  and  8  ;  of  bright 
artificial  flies  about  six  kinds  of  differing 
colors.  For  bait  use  live  minnows  or  red 
worm. 

Successful  fly-fishing  demands  skill,  ob- 
tained by  practice  and  observation.  In 
casting  shake  the  fly  immediately  over  the 
face  of  the  w^ater  and  throw  anew  repeat- 
edly and  gently.  If  the  lure  prove  unat- 
tractive change  its  shape  and  color.  Strike 
by  turn  of  wrist,  and  not  with  the  forearm. 
Large  fish  must  be  allowed  to  tire  them- 
selves out  in  the  water  before  being  land- 
ed. Heavy  Trout  hook  themselves  more 
readily  than  small  ones.  It  is  advisable 
to  learn  to  use  the  rod  with  either  hand. 

Like  Salmon  at  spawning-time,  Trout 
overcome  rapids  and  other  obstacles  by 
leaps.  Their  natural  feeding-time  is  at 
dusk  of  morning  and  evening,  when  they 


62 


may  be  seen  in  shallow  water  chasing 
natural  flies  and  minnows ;  then  they  bite 
most  freely.  Many  hide  beneath  tree- 
roots  and  boughs  that  overhang  banks, 
or  lurk  in  overgrown  or  weedy  holes. 

Trout  seem  to  be  well  informed  about 
pole,  line,  and  fisherman.  The  following 
hints  are  taken  from  the  note-books  of  ex- 
pert anglers  : 

In  working  toward  an  old  Trout,  lying 
in  shallow  water,  never  cast  at  him  until 
within  reach,  but  cast  to  one  side ;  when 
within  a  fair  distance,  drop  the  flies  lightly 
in  front  of  him,  and  he  will  take  them. 
When  a  fish  is  hooked,  the  rod  should  be 
reversed  by  holding  it  in  the  left  hand  and 
reeling  it  up  with  the  right ;  that  bends 
the  rod  the  other  way,  and  in  that  manner 
it  will  remain  straight. 

In  angling  in  much-fished  streams  cau- 
tion is  necessary  in  wading  and  casting. 
In  some  of  the  New  York  and  Pennsyl- 
vania brooks  one  can  distinguish  Trout  fifty 
to  one  hundred  feet  ahead  in  shallow  clear 

water,  by  their  shadow;   a  long  delicate 

63 


cast,  with  a  fine  leader  and  small  flies,  is 
necessary  to  insure  success.  It  is  not 
uncommon  to  see  anglers  come  from  a 
day's  fishing  with  no  Trout,  or  only  a  few 
fingerlings,  when  a  good  fisherman,  fishing 
scientifically,  will  show  a  full  creel.  The 
reason :  one  uses  coarse  tackle,  gut  lead- 
ers strong  enough  for  Salmon,  and  flies  big 
enough  for  Bass ;  while  the  other  uses  the 
finest  leaders  and  flies — so  small  and  deli- 
cate that  the  average  angler  will  not  be- 
lieve they  will  hook  a  minnow,  much  less 
a  pound  Trout. 

Do  not  fish  with  your  back  to  the  sun. 
Stand  as  far  from  the  stream  as  circum- 
stances will  allow.  Always  throw  your 
line  from  you — never  whip  it  out. 

Let  the  fly  gradually  float  down,  and  if 
possible  fall  into  the  eddies  where  the  fish 
retreat  in  case  of  alarm.  Let  your  line 
fall  into  the  stream  lightly  and  naturally, 
and  when  you  raise  it,  do  so  gently  and 
by  degrees. 

In  fishing  with  the  fly,  only  a  small  part 

of  the  line  is  allowed  to  be  in  the  water. 

64 


If  you  stand  on  the  bank  throw  your  line 
far  up  as  possible ;  you  cannot  expect  to 
catch  a  Trout  opposite  or  below  where  you 
are  standing.  If  bushes  intervene  do  not 
rustle  them  or  make  a  noise. 

Some  of  the  largest  Trout  lie  in  the  shal- 
low water,  faced  up  stream.  They  are 
found  on  the  south,  or  shady  side  of  the 
stream.  It  is  necessary  to  be  cautious  and 
not  show  yourself;  if  they  see  you  they 
vanish  for  the  day. 

After  a  rain,  when  the  water  of  the 
brook  is  a  little  riley,  you  can  catch  Trout 
with  worm.  A  single  split  shot  will  sink 
your  line,  unless  the  stream  is  deep  and 
rapid.  Keep  the  point  of  your  rod  above 
the  bait,  steadily  following  it,  as  the  bait 
drags  along  the  bottom.  When  the  fish 
takes  the  bait,  do  not  let  him  run  with  it, 
but  keep  a  steady  hand.  Do  not  jerk,  but 
play  with  him.  If  the  day  be  clear,  and 
the  stream  shallow,  wade  up-stream  cau- 
tiously, throwing  your  line  far  beyond, 
letting  it  come  gradually  toward  you. 

The  largest  Brook  Trout  are  taken  in  the 


Rangely  Lakes  in  Maine  and  the  Nepigon 
River  emptying  into  Lake  Superior.  On 
September  29,  1883,  a  New  York  gentle- 
man hooked  at  one  cast  in  the  rapid  waters 
of  Rangely  two  Brook  Trout,  both  of 
which  he  landed  in  safety  and  whose 
united  weight  was  sixteen  and  one-fourth 
pounds — a  deed  without  a  parallel.  These 
were  not  Lake  Trout,  but  the  genuine 
Brook  Trout — Salmo  fontinalis.  The 
weight  given  is  accurate,  although  anglers 
who  follow  only  the  brooks  and  know 
nothing  of  the  wonderful  Maine  waters 
will  find  it  a  difficult  figure. 

The  Adirondacks  still  offer  some  good 
Trout-fishing,  and  the  streams  of  Quebec 
and  the  Muskoga  Lakes  of  Ontario  are  al- 
so excellent  ground.  Beyond  these  there 
is  very  little  good  trouting  in  the  East,  and 
the  many  beautiful  lakes  and  streams  in 
New  England  and  New  York  that  were 
once  teeming  with  Trout  now  offer  only  the 
charms  of  solitude  and  lovely  scenery,  for 
the  fish  are  gone. 

The  Superintendent  of  the  New  York, 

66 


Ontario  &  Western  Railway  says  that 
the  fishing  in  the  streams  along  their  road 
is  much  better  of  late  years,  because 
they  are  stocked  with  young  Trout  from 
the  State  fisheries.  They  have  put  mill- 
ions of  fish  in  the  head-waters  of  the 
streams  of  Sullivan  County,  and  the  com- 
pany intend  to  fit  up  a  number  of  cars  com- 
fortably another  season,  and  lease  them  to 
fishermen  by  the  day.  They  can  be  side- 
tracked at  places  convenient  to  the  best 
fishing,  and  with  a  porter  to  care  for  them 
and  comfortable  beds,  sportsmen  could 
enjoy  a  ''  good  time  "  in  the  woods  free 
from  the  restraints  of  hotel  life. 

LAKE    TROUT. 

Salmo. 

Also  known  as  '*  White  Trout." 

Have  paler  flesh,  less  flavor,  and  attain  to 

larger  size  than  Brook  Trout.     They  are 

found  in  Lake  Ontario,  Niagara  River,  in 

many  lakes  of  Northern   New  York  and 

Pennsylvania    and  in   those   of  the   New 

England  States. 

67 


Usual  weight  from  three  to  five  pounds. 
These  fish  mostly  swim  near  the  bottom, 
fi-om  fifty  to  one  hundred  feet  beneath  the 
face  of  the  water,  and  in  warm  weather 
rarely  rise  to  the  fly. 

The  best  spots  for  fishing  in  lakes  are 
outfalls  of  streams,  rocky  patches  and 
banks,  the  edges  of  reed-beds,  and  the 
sloping  shores  at  the  point  where,  without 
being  shallow,  the  water  is  not  too  deep  for 
the  bottom  to  be  seen.  The  use  of  a  boat  is 
an  advantage  in  lake-fishing,  as  by  its 
means  not  only  can  a  greater  range  of 
water  be  fished,  but  fished  in  shorter 
time.  Moreover,  the  margins  of  reed-beds 
and  submerged  banks,  usually  amongst 
the  best  casts,  can  rarely  be  commanded 
from  the  shore,  even  with  wading. 

Lake  Trout  are  caught  either  by  troll- 
ing or  still-fishing.  For  tackle  use  stiff  Bass 
rod,  from  twelve  to  sixteen  feet,  with  click- 
reel  attached  ;  Cod  line  of  silk,  or  silk  and 
hair,  of  one  hundred  and  fifty  to  two  hun- 
dred and  fifty  feet ;  leaders  of  silk- worm 
gut  six  feet ;  small  Cod  hooks  ;  gaff-hook 


and  landing-net.  The  fish  are  lured  with 
the  phantom  minnow,  or  small  spoon.  If 
bait  is  preferred  let  it  be  crawfish,  or  small 
live  fish. 

SALMON-TROUT. 

Salmo    Confinis, 

By  some  this  is  deemed  a  mere  variety 
of  Brook  Trout,  improved  and  developed 
by  sea  voyaging.  Salmon-Trout  are  higher 
flavored  and  deeper  colored  than  either 
Brook  or  Lake  Trout. 

They  frequent  the  St.  Lawrence  River 
and  its  tributaries,  and  many  smaller 
streams  that  empty  into  the  ocean  from 
Long  Island  and  the  Eastern  States.  Like 
Salmon,  these  fish  run  up  to  fresh-water 
river-heads  and  shallows  during  spawning 
time.  Usual  weight  from  two  to  ^n^ 
pounds. 

Salmon-Trout  are  greedy  feeders  and 
make  havoc  among  minnows  and  other 
small  fish.  Unlike.  Salmon,  their  stomachs 
are,  normally,  gorged  with  food. 

When  in  full  season,  and  tolerably  fresh 

69 


from  the  sea,  Salmon-Trout  are  bright ; 
but  as  autumn  spawning-time  approaches, 
the  fish  lose  their  brilliancy  and  acquire  a 
reddish  or  blackish  tinge. 

For  angling  use  rod  from  ten  to  twelve 
feet ;  line  of  two  hundred  feet  with  click- 
reel  ;  leader  of  silk- worm  gut ; .  Salmon 
hooks    Nos.    3    and   4;    flies    of    various 

colors,  particularly  red  or  orange  ones. 
70 


SALMON. 

Salmo   Salar, 

Were  it  not  that  some  few  native 
streams,  far  north  as  Maine,  still  harbor 
this  royal  denizen  of  the  deep,  we  would 
have  no  occasion  to  include  it  among  our 
list  of  fishes.  Alaska,  Oregon,  and  Cal- 
ifornia are  too  distant  for  our  purpose  ; 
the  icy  rivers  that  flow  into  the  Gulf  of  St. 
Lawrence  lie  in  other  territory  and  are 
controlled  by  foreign  mastery.  Time  was 
when  every  large  stream  leading  to  the 
coast,  from  the  Delaware  to  the  Penob- 
scot and  beyond,  was  stocked  with  these 
fish.  But  they  were  driven  from  their 
homes  by  steamers  and  mill-dams,  and 
poisoned  in  masses  by  dust  from  saw-mills 
and  the  acrid  chemical  waste  of  factories. 

Salmon  are  eminently  a  clear  and  cold 

water  fish.     Mud  and  sewage  in  their  na- 
71 


tive  element  are  not  to  their  liking.  Like 
Shad,  if  unrestrained,  they  return  again 
and  again  to  their  original  natal  streams. 
Their  force  and  power  of  propulsion  are 
such  that  Pickerel  never  venture  to  attack 
them.  Usual  weight  from  eight  to  twelve 
pounds. 

Some  few  are  captured  in  the  St.  John's 
River  and  Penobscot  River ;  occasionally 
stragglers  enter  Lake  Ontario  by  way  of 
the  St.  Lawrence.  Those  caught  in  the 
ocean  show  no  evidence  of  feeding. 

Salmon  come  and  depart  in  shoals, 
swimming  in  deep  water. 

For  tackle  use  rod  from  fifteen  to  eight- 
teen  feet,  with  click-reel ;  line  from  two 
hundred  and  fifty  to  three  hundred  and 
fifty  feet ;  leaders  from  nine  to  twelve 
feet ;  Limerick  hooks  of  various  sizes ; 
flies  large  and  gaudy  ;  gaff-hooks  about 
three  inches  distant  across  band  ;  landing- 
net. 

We  subjoin  a  number  of  hints  chosen 
from  the  experience  of  noted  specialists. 

The  three  principal  hindrances  to  Sal- 


mon-fishing  are :  the  trouble  in  obtaining 
either  a  lease  of  a  stream,  or  a  permit  for 
the  best  part  of  the  season  ;  the  great  dis- 
tances to  be  travelled,  and  consequent  loss 
of  valuable  time  ;  and  the  expense  as  com- 
pared with  other  sorts  of  out-door  amuse- 
ments. The  Canadian  Government  exer- 
cises complete  control  of  the  principal  Sal- 
mon-streams, both  in  their  tidal  and  fluvial 
parts.  Leases  are  commonly  given  for 
several  years. 

In  Canada,  all  Salmon-breeding  rivers 
are  leased,  inspected,  guarded,  and  yearly 
reported  upon  by  a  special  commissioner 
in  the  Department  of  Marine  and  Fisher- 
ies. Salmon  rivers  are  also  Sea-Trout 
I  rivers,  and  good  fishing  can  only  be  ob- 
tained, except  in  streams  too  insignificant 
to  be  worth  preserving,  by  taking  either  a 
lease  of  a  Salmon  stream,  or  a  license  from 
a  lessee  to  fish  one. 
Salmo  salar  is  uncertain.  Sometimes 
he  comes  early  and  sometimes  late  ;  some- 
times he  goes  leisurely  up  the  rivers,  lin- 
r "' 


73 


sporting  with  flies,  and  sometimes,  when 
kept  back  by  a  late  spring,  he  goes  for 
head-waters  at  once,  only  stopping  when 
compelled  by  fatigue. 

Salmon,  guided  by  caprice  in  the  choice 
of  location,  so  that  the  stone  behind  which 
the  fly  must  fall  to  give  a  chance  of  suc- 
cess, has  often  to  be  pointed  out  by  the 
local  assistant.  The  tackle  used  is  so 
strong,  and  generally  the  nature  of  Salmon 
casts  so  open,  that  with  ordinary  skill  a 
fish  once  fairly  hooked  has  little  chance  of 
breaking  away. 

Alarmed,  they  move  rapidly  in  the  wa- 
ter, and  go  a  distance  without  stopping.  It 
is  necessary  to  be  cautious  in  fishing  them. 
Wary  and  scientific  anglers  have  their 
patience  tried  in  taking  this  fish,  whose 
instinct  leads  it  to  artful  and  singular  ef- 
forts to  escape.  The  feeding  grounds  of 
the  Salmon  are  swift  streams,  and  deep 
lakes,  with  gravelly  and  pebbly  bottoms, 
where  there  are  easy  outlets  to  the  sea ; 
the  time  for  fishing,  from  May  until  Au- 
gust.    In  the  first  of  the  season,  worms. 


74 


small  fish,  or  shrimp  is  the  usual  bait ;  but 
in  July  and  August  they  are  partial  to  the 
fly. 

Particular  stones  are  not  unfrequently 
haunted  by  Salmon  with  a  pertinacity 
which  is  remarkable. 

Salmon  begin  to  run  up  Northern  rivers 
in  April,  and  stay  until  the  latter  end  of 
July,  when  they  return  to  the  sea.  It  Is 
while  thus  running  that  they  are  taken  by 
anglers  and  fishermen.  They  deposit 
their  spawn  at  the  extreme  point  they 
reach  on  the  river. 

The  general  proportion  of  Salmon  upon 
the  spawning  beds  is  three  males  to  one 
female.  These  males  fight  with  one  an- 
other, and  whether  In  consequence  of  the 
wounds  received  in  these  encounters  or 
other  causes,  the  greater  number  of  dead 
fish  found  are  males. 

Having  selected  a  pool  or  run  in  which 
he  knows  that  there  are  plenty  of  Salmon, 
the  angler  generally  remains  at  the  same 
place,  shifting  his  ground  a  few  paces  at  a 
tlme^  higher  or  lower.     The  usual  symp- 


75 


torn  of  a  bite  Is  a  stoppage  of  the  bait, 
followed  by  gentle  twitching.  Sometimes 
the  Salmon  takes  the  bait  in  a  more  reck- 
less fashion,  and  remains  nearly  motion- 
less for  some  little  time,iand  then  moves 
steadily  away.  This  is  the  moment  to 
strike,  and  as  the  bait  is  invariably  swal- 
lowed or  pouched,  there  is  little  fear  of 
the  fish  being  missed.  Should  the  fish 
move  away  at  once  after  biting,  line  and 
time  must  be  given  him  to  pouch  the  bait. 
To  provide  for  the  contingency  of  any 
sudden  moves  on  the  part  of  the  fish,  and 
against  any  sudden  check  on  the  part  of 
the  angler,  it  is  wise  to  keep  a  yard  or 
two  of  spare  line  loose  in  hand  between 
the  bottom  ring  and  the  reel. 

If  a  Salmon  has  missed  the  fly,  he  will 
frequently  rise  a  second,  and  sometimes  a 
third  time,  and  be  hooked.  When  a  Sal- 
mon has  risen,  instead  of  immediately 
throwing  again,  let  the  angler  sit  down 
quietly  on  the  bank  for  a  few  minutes,  and 
carefully  cast  over  the  fish  again,  beginning 

a  few  yards  above  the  spot  where  the  rise 
76 


took  place,  and  bringing  the  fly  gradually 
over  it.  If  the  fish  does  not  rise,  a  short 
interval  should  be  allowed,  the  fly  changed 
for  one  of  another  color,  and  the  same 
process  repeated.  Some  good  fishers  ad- 
vise changing  the  fly  the  first  time  of  re- 
casting, and  a  second  or  even  third  time 
afterward. 

Salmon-flies  should  be  dressed  with  gut- 
loops,  with  the  double  object  of  strength 
and  durability,  and  for  the  purpose  of 
making  the  fly  swim  straight  when  at- 
tached to  the  casting-line. 

Resist  for  a  moment  the  inclination  to 
strike ;  only  for  one  moment,  but  long 
enough  to  allow  the  fish  to  take  and  turn 
down  again  with  the  fly  ;  then  strike — not 
a  slight  hesitating  blow,  but  a  determined 
stroke  bringing  the  line  up  flat,  and  driving 
the  hook-point  well  in  over  the  barb. 

LNext  to  the  number  of  Salmon  lost 
through  striking  too  quickly  are  those 
lost  from  striking  too  feebly.  Strike 
strongly  and  hard^  and  repeat  the  stroke 
by  way  of  making  sure.  If  the  tackle  will 
\ 


77 


not  stand  this  strain  it  is  not  fit  for  Salmon- 
fishing.  A  weak  stroke  is  worse  than  use- 
less ;  it  fails  to  make  the  hook  penetrate, 
and  it  provokes  the  fish  to  a  violent  effort 
to  rid  himself  of  it,  and  thus  lessens  the 
chance  of  his  being  hooked. 

The  mode  of  worm-fishing  as  commonly 
practised  is  simple  :  a  large  single  hook, 
say  No.  14  or  15,  is  whipped  on  to  two 
or  three  yards  of  salmon-gut.  A  supply 
of  lob-worms  having  been  obtained,  and, 
if  feasible,  previously  scoured,  the  hook  is 
passed  through  the  middle  inch  or  two  of 
two  or  three  of  them,  the  last  worm  being 
so  put  on  that  no  part  of  the  hook  or  barb 
is  visible.  Large  split  shot  should  then 
be  fixed  to  the  line  about  if  feet  above  the 
bait,  to  take  it  to  the  bottom  ;  they  should 
not  be  so  heavy  as  to  prevent  the  stream 
carrying  the  bait  freely  over  the  stones. 


HERRING. 

Few  persons  are  probably  yet  aware  of 
the  extent  to  which  the  little  fish  E^tgrau- 
lus  Meletta,  from  the  coast  of  Sardinia,  is 
being  supplanted  by  the  small  Culpea  so 
numerous  on  the  coast  of  Maine.  The 
New  England  Herring  deftly  put  up  in  cot- 
ton-seed oil  may  be  quite  as  appetizing  as 
the  Sardine,  once  embalmed  in  pure  huile- 
(T olive j  but  let  not  the  unsophisticated  pur- 
chaser of  the  attractive  tin  box  too  hastily 
cor^clude  that  its  showy  label,  its  Napo- 
leonic head,  and  its  French  superscription 
guarantee  the  genuineness  of  its  contents. 
Sardines  imported  from  the  Mediterranean 
are  rapidly  becoming  a  tradition  ;  and  the 
coasts  of  Maine  and  New  Brunswick,  in 
the  vicinity  of  Passamaquoddy  Bay,  fur- 
nish a  substitute  which  in  character  is 
similar  to  if  not  identical  with  the  Culpea 

79 


Sprattus,  so  abundant  on  the  English 
coasts. 

It  is  now  ten  years  since  a  room  was 
fitted  up  in  a  store  in  New  York  City  for 
the  purpose  of  trying  how  close  an  imita- 
tion of  the  French  Sardine  could  be  pro- 
duced. This  room  was  for  many  weeks 
closed  to  all  but  the  experimenter  and  the 
two  partners  of  the  firm.  The  difficulty 
of  procuring  suitable  and  sufficient  ma- 
terial for  their  purpose  was  overcome  on 
discovering  that  at  Eastport,  Me.,  a  small 
fish  was  used  for  fertilizing  farm  lands 
which  seemed  to  be  what  they  had  so  long 
and  anxiously  sought.  The  first  canning- 
factory  was  established  in  Eastport  in 
1876,  and  since  then  eighteen  other  fac- 
tories have  been  started  there,  besides 
eight  at  Lubec,  three  at  Jonesport,  two  at 
Robbinston,  and  one  at  each  of  half  a 
dozen  other  near-by  places. 

To  catch  the  fish,  weirs  are  constructed, 
built  of  piles  driven  where  the  water  is 
twenty  feet  deep,  and  the  spaces  between 
interlaced  with  rails  and  brush.     An  open- 


80 


ing  is  left  in  the  weir,  through  which  the 
fish  enter  at  high  water,  and  a  deep 
seine  closes  this  aperture  when  the  weir  is 
well  filled.  Before  low  water,  the  fisher- 
men, with  a  large  scoop-net,  take  the  fish 
out  of  the  weir  into  their  boats.  The  fish 
are  offered  for  sale  by  the  hogsheadful  to 
about  seventy-five  boatmen  employed  by 
the  different  factories.  When  there  has 
been  a  large  ''  catch  "  the  bidding  is  dull 
and  the  prices  are  low  ;  but  when  only  a 
few  of  the  weirs  have  been  replenished  the 
competing  bidders  become  excited,  and  a 
looker-on  is  reminded  of  a  stock-exchange. 
Early  in  1877  $1  per  hogshead  was 
thought  to  be  a  good  price;  but  in  the 
last  year  $30  have  been  paid.  After  the 
highest  bidder  has  secured  his  stock,  he 
starts  his  boat  and  hoists  a  signal  flag,  to 
notify  his  employers  that  he  is  on  his  way 
to  their  factory. 

This  business  extends  from  the  middle 
of  April  to  the  middle  of  December  of 
each  year,  and  has  increased  from  1,503 
cases    of  100  cans    each,  which   were   all 


8x 


that  were  packed  in  1877,  to  200,000 
cases,  which  were  sent  to  market  in  1883. 
About  five  cents  will  cover  the  actual  cost 
of  converting  the  herrings  into  a  box  of 
palatable  Sardines. 


FISHING    IN   THE   PACIFIC. 

Our  trolling  lines,  having  at  the  end 
large  hooks  wrapped  with  white  rag  with 
a  streamer  or  two  floating  an  inch  or  two 
beyond  them — a  device  quite  as  good  as 
bone,  ivory,  or  a  genuine  fish  if  it  only  goes 
fast  enough — have  been  gliding  through 
the  water  behind,  but  have  captured 
nothing  but  a  few  shreds  of  floating  sea- 
weed. But  there  is  no  ground  for  de- 
spair. It  is  too  early  in  the  day,  and  the 
breeze  is  not  yet  strong  enough  for  good 
speed.  Two  brown  streaks  in  the  water 
just  behind  the  hooks,  visible  only  to  him 
who  knows  what  they  mean,  tell  us  that 
fish  are  here.  They  are  about  two  feet 
long  and  one  and  a  half  inch  wide,  and 
are  a  few  inches  beneath  the  surface. 
They  are  the  backs  of  Barracuda  inspect- 
ing the  bait.  As  some  hunters  do  not 
83 


care  to  shoot  a  bird  upon  the  ground, 
so  these  fish  care  nothing  for  the  bait 
until  on  the  wing.  They  will  often  fol- 
low it  for  one  hundred  yards  without  at- 
tempting to  touch  it.  But  let  it  go  fast 
enough  and  they  come  with  a  rush  and 
throw  themselves  half  out  of  the  water 
as  they  take  it. 

On  each  side  the  ship-channel,  beyond 
the  bar,  is  a  long  bed  of  kelp,  and  it  is 
often  well  to  run  into  that  and  try  still 
fishing  until  the  wind  reaches  its  full 
power  at  midday.  The  kelp-fish  are  dif- 
ferent from  those  caught  by  trolling,  and 
some  are  of  fine  flavor.  In  the  kelp  the 
surface  is  glassy,  though  the  water  rocks 
with  a  short,  uneasy  swell.  But  by  let- 
ting down  the  sail,  and  making  a  rope 
fast  to  a  bunch  of  the  long  brown  leaves 
of  the  kelp,  good  anchorage  is  made. 
The  tackle  needed  for  these  kelp-fish  is 
simple.  A  long  line  with  a  sinker  at  the 
end,  and  a  hook  or  two  baited  with  meat, 
and  attached  several  feet  above  the  sinker, 

so  that  the  hook  shall  not  rest  upon  the 
84 


bottom,  but  be  near  it,  is  thrown  out,  and 
down  it  goes  full  twenty  fathoms  to  the 
bottom.  The  green  tint  the  water  wears 
outside  of  the  kelp  is  gone.  Here  it  is 
blue,  yet  so  transparent  that  one  can  see 
almost  to  the  bottom.  Far  below,  the 
kelp  can  be  seen  reaching  out  its  arms  on 
every  hand,  and  in  the  openings  between 
them  floats  many  a  fish,  as  clearly  seen  as 
if  in  an  aquarium.  Some  are  lithe  and 
trim,  others  thick  and  stubby.  Some  are 
grayish-brown  upon  the  back  and  mottled 
with  brown  spots  ;  others  olive-green,  and 
others  red. 

But  a  sudden  tug  upon  your  line  inter- 
rupts your  inspection  of  the  blue  depths. 
Up  comes  the  line,  bringing  a  lot  of 
kelp  leaves  entangled  within  it,  but  at  the 
end  is  a  flapping  mass  of  crimson.  This 
is  called  the  "Red-fish"  {Pimelometopou 
Pule  her).  It  is  about  twelve  inches  long, 
broad  and  deep  of  body,  and  rounded 
upon  the  back,  and  is  a  bright  crimson, 
shading  toward  flesh  color  underneath. 
Scarcely  do  you  get  him  free  of  the  hook 

8s 


before  there  is  a  tug  upon  the  other  line. 
Up  it  comes,  bringing  a  larger  fish,  strug- 
gling and  gathering  kelp  leaves  around 
him  before  he  clears  the  water.  A  good 
fish  this  (^Heterostichus  Rostratus),  but  not 
fascinating  in  appearance.  It  is  about  fif- 
teen inches  long,  deep  and  broad  like  the 
last  fish,  pale,  brownish  gray  in  color, 
with  leaden  eye,  and  is  commonly  called 
"  kelp-fish,"  along  with  several  other  va- 
rieties. 

And  now  comes  a  fish  worth  catching. 
He  thrashes  about  with  vigor  as  he  is 
lifted  over  the  edge  of  the  boat ;  his  eyes 
are  full  of  fire,  and  the  spines  of  his  dorsal 
fin  stand  savagely  erect.  He  is  about  a 
foot  long,  trimly  built,  has  a  large  head, 
massive  jaw,  and  is  dotted  with  brown 
spots.  This  is  the  "Rock-Cod"  {Sar- 
ranus  Macule  Fasciatus)^  one  of  the  best 
table  fish  upon  the  coast. 

Thus  fish  after  fish  comes  struggling 
out,  with  an  occasional  greenish  crab, 
mottled  with  brown,  and  carrying,  per- 
haps, a  few  barnacles  upon  his  back,  until 


the  fulness  of  the  breeze  advises  that  it  is 
time  to  troll.  Other  boats  and  Chinese 
junks  outside  the  kelp  are  rolling  here 
and  there  over  the  heaving  surface,  and  on 
the  stern  of  each  are  men  hauling  in  lines 
hand-over-hand  and  something  flashes 
upon  the  end  as  it  is  hauled  up  the  stern. 

Though  the  water  is  still  smooth,  there 
is  a  decided  increase  in  the  breeze ;  the 
boat  now  leaves  a  foamy  track,  and  the 
hooks  ride  so  near  the  surface,  with 
the  increase  of  speed,  that  their  white 
swathing  is  seen  as  they  ride  down  the 
slope  of  each  receding  swell.  And  before 
they  have  passed  many  swells  your  line  is 
twitched  from  your  hand  and  a  line  of 
silvery  light  shines  for  an  instant  below 
the  surface  where  the  hook  was  just  rid- 
ing. From  side  to  side  the  line  cuts  the 
water  with  a  swish  as  you  haul  it  in,  and  a 
long,  bright,  and  slender  fish  jumps  above 
or  darts  below  with  frantic  rushes.  You 
may  have  thought  the  tackle  was  clumsy 
and  unscientific  when  you  first  saw  it ;  but 

you  now  wish  it   were  a  trifle  stronger. 

87 


There  is  no  time  to  play  this  fish  or  drown 
it.  It  must  be  hauled  quickly  in,  for  a 
heavy  splash  at  the  end  of  your  other  line 
announces  that  there  is  plenty  to  do.  In 
comes  the  prize,  hammering  the  stern  of 
the  boat  with  its  tail  as  it  comes  up,  cutting 
all  manner  of  figures  in  the  air  until  drawn 
over  the  side.  Arriving  in  the  boat,  it 
dances  on  either  head  or  tail  with  equal 
facility,  until  you  tighten  the  line,  and 
begin  to  speculate  upon  the  safest  method 
of  getting  the  hook  out  of  the  sharkish 
mouth.  This  fish  is  the  *' Barracuda' 
{Sphyrcena  Argentea),  one  of  the  best  fish 
of  the  Pacific  Ocean.  It  is  nearly  a  yard 
long,  lithe  and  shapely,  with  pearly  sides, 
and  a  dark  line  down  the  centre  of  each 
side.  It  has  the  appearance  of  a  Pickerel, 
though  brighter  and  clearer  in  color.  It 
has  the  same  ravenous  jaws,  with  rows  of 
serrated  teeth,  and  the  same  trim  figure, 
built  for  speed. 

But  there  is  little  time  to  examine  the 
prize,  for  at  the  other  hooks  there  is  vig- 
orous splashing  and  a  confusion  among  the 


lines,  which  are  carried  across  each  other 
with  a  rush  that  betokens  an  interesting 
tangle  among  them.  And  there,  too,  the 
hook  you  have  just  taken  from  the  mouth 
of  the  Barracuda  and  tossed  again  into 
the  water  is  taken  by  a  bright  object 
darting  from  below,  the  instant  the  line  is 
straightened  and  the  hook  is  under  full 
headway.  Four  fish  are  now  dashing  and 
flashing  about  on  the  ends  of  the  four 
lines,  and  all  the  lines  but  the  one  last 
thrown  out  are  in  such  a  tangle  that  it  is 
best  to  leave  them  and  get  in  the  last  line 
before  it,  too,  is  added  to  the  rope  into 
which  the  other  three  are  fast  being  spun. 
Be  careful  now  of  your  fingers,  for  you 
have  caught  a  fish  stronger  and  more  ac- 
tive than  the  Barracuda,  The  line  runs 
from  right  to  left  and  back  again  through 
the  water,  throwing  up  ridges  of  foam  in 
its  rapid  course.  But  though  slowly  the 
line  is  taken  up,  each  sidewise  run  of  the 
fish  is  bent  nearer  and  nearer  the  boat. 
It  feels  as  if  it  weighed  a  hundred  pounds ; 
nevertheless,  it  is  coming.     And  now,  as 


89 


he  nears  the  boat,  he  darts  about  with 
frantic  rushes  of  wondrous  speed.  Now 
he  dashes  away  toward  the  boat's  bow  as 
far  off  on  the  side  as  the  line  will  allow, 
laying  himself  over  so  that  the  light 
gleams  in  a  band  from  his  side  of  silver 
and  gold.  Now,  downward  into  the  green 
depths  he  goes  ;  away  goes  the  line  under 
the  boat,  and  out  he  comes  again  behind, 
breaking  from  the  water  with  an  upward 
rush  that  throws  him  clear  over  the  other 
three  lines. 

With  much  exertion,  the  four  lines  are 
finally  hauled  in  all  together,  though  our 
fingers  smart  well  for  it,  as  on  the  end  of 
each  line  a  fish  goes  tearing  about.  In  a 
moment  confusion  reigns  in  the  boat. 
There  is  a  gay  medley  of  heads  and  tails ; 
of  shining,  throbbing  sides  and  tangled 
lines ;  of  hands  vainly  feeling  for  a  secure 
hold,  and  feet  vainly  exploring  for  an 
anchorage  upon  bouncing  vibrations  of 
opalescence  and  pearl.  For  three  Barra- 
cuda and  one  Spanish  Mackerel  are  on  the 
lines.     This  is  not  the  Spanish  Mackerel 


90 


of  the  Atlantic,  though  called  by  the  same 
name.  This  fish  {Sharda  Chilensis)  is  a 
little  deeper  and  thicker  than  true  Mack- 
erel proportions  demand,  but  has  the  un- 
mistakable tail,  mouth,  and  markings  of 
the  mackerel  family.  It  is  about  two  feet 
long,  weighs  about  twelve  pounds,  and  is 
lustrous  with  delicate  shades  of  green, 
gold,  opal,  and  pearl.  Long  after  the  Bar- 
racuda have  ceased  bouncing  it  hammers 
the  deck  with  alternate  strokes  of  head 
and  tail,  and  if  not  secured  will  bounce 
itself  overboard  in  a  minute. 

The  lines  are  finally  disentangled,  the 
hooks  need  no  baiting,  and  in  a  moment 
are  floating  away  behind.  No  sooner  are 
the  lines  fairly  straightened  and  the  hooks 
again  under  full  speed,  than  there  is  a 
sudden  swish  and  splash  and  two  of  the 
hooks  are  taken  at  one  dash.  Another 
swish  and  splash  and  the  other  two  hooks 
are  taken  before  we  have  the  first  two 
hauled  one-fourth  of  the  way  in.  There 
will  now  be  little  time  to  rest,  for  we  are 

in  the  midst  of  a  school  of  fish.     But  we 
91 


may  as  well  be  calm.  We  shall  get  all 
the  fish  we  need  and  have  all  the  lime- 
burnt  fingers  that  a  successfijl  fisherman 
requires.  We  may  as  well  take  in  the 
lines  and  roll  about  for  awhile  on  the 
long,  tumbling  swells.  The  weather  is  so 
soft  and  cool,  the  sky  so  bright,  yet  the 
sun  so  mild  ;  there  never  was  such  a  day 
to  lie  down  and  smoke,  to  gaze  upon  the 
great  shining  plain  upon  the  west,  or  on 
the  long  lines  of  dreamy  blue  mountains 
on  the  east,  to  listen  to  the  ripple  and 
thumping  of  the  waters  at  the  bow,  and 
the  fluttering  of  the  streamer  at  the  mast- 
head, to  feel  the  little  vessel  careen  as  she 
goes  sliding  down  the  shorter  slope  of 
some  great  swell,  righting  herself  as  she 
climbs  the  long  slope  of  the  next  one,  yet 
feel  all  the  time  as  secure  as  if  taking  a 
moonlight  row  on  some  lake  where  the 
winds  are  hushed  for  the  day. 

But  there  is  little  rest  for  the  angler  in 
the  midst  of  fish.  Again  the  lines  are 
tossed  out,  and  in  an  instant  we  see  that 
we  are  still  in  the  school.     Here  a  greedy 


Barracuda  swallows  hook,  rags,  and  all, 
and  before  it  is  extracted  from  the  raven- 
ous throat  another  is  tugging  at  the  other 
line,  and  three  or  four  brown  backs  lie 
close  behind  in  the  water  awaiting  a 
chance  at  the  hook.  Such  is  fishing  in 
the  Pacific. 


93 


NEW  YORK    RETAIL    MARKET 
PRICES. 


Black  Fresh-water  Bass '^  R)-  i5@2oc. 

Black  Sea-bass 

Blue-fish 

Bonito 

Butter-fish 

Cod 

Cat-fish 

Eel 

Flounder 

Haddock 

King-fish 

Lafayette -fish 

Mackerel each  15     25 

Pickerel "^  Yb.  12     18 

Pike-Perch "     12     15 

Porgee '^       8     10 

Salmon ''     25     35 

Salmon-Trout ''     12     15 

Shad each  30    50 

Sheepshead ^  lb.  18    25 


"  10 

15 

"      8 

10 

'•  10 

20 

''       8 

10 

"      8 

10 

"      8 

10 

*'  15 

18 

''     10 

12 

"   6 

8 

"  15 

25 

"  15 

20 

Smelt "^  fb.  i5@2oc, 

Spanish  Mackerel • 

Striped  Bass 

Tautog 

Weak-fish 

White-fish 

Yellow  Perch 

95 


-  25 

35 

''   18 

20 

"   10. 

15 

"   10 

15 

"  15 

18 

"      8 

I2r 

THE  END. 


^^XOO^i^^XSBOKKOWBO 


LOAN  DEPT. 


— ^*iTW 


^?pllU°0")4V6? 


VC   (2401 


